Winchester 1873 3rd Model 24” .44-40 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1882 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,426.50
LSB#: LSB250721SP003
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 99715A
Year of Manufacture: 1882
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER’S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN, CT. / KING’S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860.”. The lower tang is marked “99715A”. The upper tang is marked “Model. 1873”.
Barrel Length: 24”, 24 ¼” Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate with sliding-door storage compartment. There is a cleaning kit in the compartment. The stocks have been sanded and refinished. There are scratches, compressions, and nicks throughout. There are some losses along the edges of the forend and wrist. There are no notable cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and some moderate erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Fair condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion and light pitting. There is scattered pitting down the length of the bore. In this . writer’s opinion the bore rates 4/10
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its current finish. The balance of the finish shows scattered oxidation. There is scattered erosion under the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally obscure to clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair to Good condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1873, often called “The Gun that Won the West,” remains one of the most iconic lever-action rifles in American history. Introduced in 1873 and chambered here in .44-40 WCF, it quickly became the preferred rifle of settlers, lawmen, and frontiersmen thanks to its rugged design and the convenience of sharing ammunition with revolvers chambered in the same caliber. This example is a Third Model, identifiable by its integral dust cover rail, and was manufactured in 1882, placing it squarely in the era when the American frontier was still untamed and the Model 1873 was at the height of its reputation. The presence of its original steel crescent buttplate with trapdoor and cleaning kit adds a desirable period feature for collectors.
While showing its age with a refinished exterior, stock wear, and a bore rating of 4/10, this rifle still carries immense historical value as a working piece of 19th-century Americana. The fact that it remains mechanically functional more than 140 years later is a testament to Winchester’s quality of manufacture. For collectors, it offers the chance to own a genuine antique 1873 that was built and used during the height of the American West, at a price point more approachable than untouched, high-condition examples. Whether as a display piece, a historical collectible, or a shooter for those who enjoy black powder .44-40 loads, this 1873 embodies the enduring legend of Winchester’s most celebrated lever-action. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
